Emmett Hoks

Emmett Hoks, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday evening, October 30, 2013, following a brief illness. His loving family was at his side. Emmett was born on April 23, 1924, in Menasha, son of the late Dan and Delcena (Debroux) Hoks. Following his graduation from St. Mary's High School in Menasha, he served his country as a member of the United States Navy during World War II. On June 12, 1947, he married Georgiann M. Stilp, and together the couple raised seven children. They were married for forty-six wonderful years until Georgiann's death in 1993. On November 25, 1994, he married Elinor Alt.

Emmett earned his bachelor's degree in biology from St. Norbert's College in DePere and his master's degree was granted him from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He did his graduate work at the University of Indiana, University of Minnesota, Marquette University, and University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and Stevens Point. He served as the high school principal in Elgin, North Dakota from 1952 until 1957, and in the fall of 1957 joined the Appleton school district. Here he taught biology for nine years, and became the principal at Appleton West in 1971. Emmett retired in 1986.

He loved golf, photography, and was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Green Bay Packers. He was also a member of the Appleton Evening Lions Club, the Outagamie County Historical Society and was involved in the Attic Theatre. On July 27, 2011, he was honored to be able to be part of the Old Glory Honor Flight.

Emmett is survived by his wife: Elinor; his loving children: Judi Vande Berg, Marnie (Lloyd) Rollefson, Bob (Sue) Hoks, Bill (Deb) Hoks, Tim (Holly) Hoks, Mike (Joanne) Hoks, and Connie Wiedow; fourteen grandchildren: Nicholas (Nicole), Nathan, Matthew (Rachel), Julie (Matt), Brian (Katie), Kristi (special friend Dan), Kerri (Drew), Lisa (special friend Matt), Katie (Ian), Kelly (special friend Ryne), Michael, Jr., Adam, Jennifer, and Brittany; nine great-grandchildren: Mychala, Nicholas, Jillian, Ryder, Jaden, Ashley, Whittney, Hannah, and Emma; and a sister-in-law: Dorothy Hoks. Emmett is also survived by Elinor's children: JoAnn (Henry) Eslinger, Sandy (Marvin) Kubousek, and Arthur Alt, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Georgiann, brothers Eugene and Donald, and an infant brother Roy.

A funeral liturgy to celebrate Emmett's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 4, 2013 at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 312 S. State Street in Appleton, with Fr. Dan Felton, a family friend and former student, officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Menasha. Family and friends will gather at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri County Chapel, 1592 Oneida Street in Menasha on Sunday afternoon from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and again at the church on Monday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com.

In memory of Emmett, a fund has been established in his name, OR you may contribute to www.oldgloryhonorflight.com.

The family would like to offer their sincere thanks to ThedaCare At Home Hospice, especially Erin and Todd, and everyone at Heritage Assisted Living. We will never forget your kindness to our family.

“Thank you, and have a good day.”